Algae Bloom Threatens Israel's Remaining Desalination Plant as Scientists Seek Novel Solution

An unprecedented algae bloom has severely impacted Israel's desalination infrastructure, shutting down five of its six Mediterranean coast plants. The remaining operational plant in Hadera is now under threat as the algae drifts northward. Researchers are exploring an unconventional approach: attempting to encourage the microscopic algae to clump together, making them easier to trap in filters and preventing them from reaching desalination systems.

This crisis, which began on Sunday, has led to significant disruptions in water supply, although the Ministry of Energy and the Water Authority state that water reserves are increasing and supply to homes and agriculture is proceeding normally. Local authorities have been permitted to use water for public gardening, with a request for a 10% reduction in general water usage.

Five desalination plants, including Ashdod and Ashkelon, remain completely shut down. Shorq B and Palmachim are operating partially despite the contamination. The algae, believed to have originated from the Nile region in Egypt and possibly fueled by sewage from Gaza, are classified as picophytoplankton, but the specific species responsible are still being identified.

Alon Zask, CEO of the National Institute of Oceanography and Limnology, explained the strategy to aggregate the algae, acknowledging uncertainty about how long the bloom will persist. He suggested that fertilizers or sewage might be contributing to the bloom. Meanwhile, the Palmachim plant is operating at about 50% capacity due to the water shortage, a decision described as risk management.

In response to the crisis, Mekorot, the national water company, received approval from the Ministry of Health to draw water from previously restricted boreholes to alleviate pressure on the system. The Meteorological Service predicts a slight temperature drop, which might help mitigate the algae situation, but no end to the event is in sight. Operators are being equipped with replacement membranes as the algae damage sensitive components.